1-Day Tour: Onomichi Temples Exploration & Saijo Sake Tasting

**PLEASE NOTE – the Onomichi ropeway is currently undergoing routine maintenance and repair, and will reopen on the 24th of December. Due to this, we will only be accepting bookings for this tour for dates starting in late December and onwards. For those still looking to enjoy some sake tasting, we highly recommend our Half-Day Saijo Tour: Sake Tasting & Inside Brewery Tour in Hiroshima’s “Sake Capital.” Guests looking to explore some Buddhist temples in Hiroshima can do so in our 1-Day Tour: Hiroshima Hidden Gems & Highlights.

Within Hiroshima prefecture, one can find many charming and beautiful locations, each with their own unique history and specialty. Two such places, Saijo and Onomichi, lie on the east of this great prefecture.

Originally a post-town during the Edo Period, Saijo has grown into one of the main “Sake Capitals” of Japan. The climate and water of this area allow for the production of excellent sake of the highest quality. To this day, seven breweries in the town continue to produce their sake using traditional techniques, providing many insights into Japanese culture. If guests wish to learn about sake brewing and have a taste of this authentic Japanese beverage, Saijo is the place to go.

A bit further east of Saijo, one can find the picturesque city of Onomichi. The temples, hills and stone paths around the city create the beautiful scenery which has bestowed Onomichi the title of “miniature garden.” This location is not only beautiful, but also rich in history and culture. Within, one can visit temples such as Senkoji and Saikokuji, both Buddhist temples which provide some insight into Japanese religion and the city’s past. One of these temples is located at the top of a mountain and can be accessed via ropeway, providing a stunning view of the city landscape. For those searching for stunning landscapes and Japan’s traditional culture, this port city is the ideal destination.

Join this 1-Day Tour to experience two of Hiroshima’s iconic locations, each providing a unique experience and perspective of Japan. Explore these hidden gems which are most popular with the locals and truly immerse yourself in Japanese culture by visiting Saijo and Onomichi with us!

Highlights

• Visit historic breweries which have been around since the 19^th and 20^th century
• Take part in sake tasting at two separate different breweries
• Admire the picturesque landscape of Onomichi, the “miniature garden” city
• Experience the Mt. Senkoji Ropeway and take in the stunning sights from inside the cable cart
• Tour the Japanese Buddhist temples Senkoji and Saikokuji, and learn about Japan’s religious practices
• Sample local delicacies such as Onomichi ramen, or enjoy a wide array of fresh seafood

*For those looking to join the tour from Kyoto/Osaka, please see the FAQ section.

Description

This tour will begin at Hiroshima Station at 9:15 AM. Your guide will meet you by the Shinkansen gates under the Tourist Information sign. There are coin lockers available at the station if you wish to leave any belongings behind, but we ask that you show up a bit earlier to the meet-up spot if this is the case. From here, your guide will take you to your first destination, Saijo.

Once you arrive, you will walk to Saijo Honmachi Historical Square, where your guide will provide some historical information about the the town and how it earned its name as one of Japan’s “Sake Capitals.” Then, we will take a brief stroll through Saijo Sake Brewery Street. As is clear by the name, this street is lined with breweries on all side, most dating back to the early 20th century. You will be able to observe the unique architecture of these buildings, with their white grid walls and red chimneys.

As you walk through the streets your guide will help you visualize what life would have been like in Saijo as it began to flourish and develop in the 1900’s. You will also be making stops inside two of these breweries to learn about the sake brewing process and all the techniques and steps that go into it.

As we stop inside the breweries, we will of course be taking part in some sake tasting. The location of this town has provided it with ideal natural conditions which make it an optimal place for sake brewing. This, along with the Hiroshima grown rice and Saijo brewing techniques, will provide you with the opportunity to taste some of the highest quality sake in Western Japan. Additionally, guests will have the chance to purchase sake bottles and other souvenirs as we visit the different breweries. Your guide will help you understand how to read sake bottle labels so you can be sure of your selection.

Next, we will head to Onomichi, where guests will have some free time to enjoy lunch in the Hondori Shopping Street. While not particularly big, this street has an old-fashioned vibe with quaint and antique shops for those looking to purchase some souvenirs. Here, we recommend you try the local specialty, Onomichi Ramen, which is made with a soy sauce-based broth and pork fat to add flavor. You could also eat some Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki which comes with noodles on top. Lastly, due to it’s location by the Seto Inland Sea, Onomichi is well-known for it’s fresh seafood, so this would be a great opportunity to enjoy some sushi as well.

We will then head to our next destination by taking a stroll along the coast and down Kaigan Dori Street. Here, you will see how Onomichi learned it’s title of “miniature garden city.” The seaside walkway is lined with retro-style street lamps and offers a fantastic view of the water and the many fishing ships docked there. Guests will be able to appreciate the fantastic landscape and enjoy the refreshing breeze as we make our way to the first temple visit.

When arriving at the Saikokuji temple, we will first encounter the unique Niomon Gate, famous for its straw sandals of various sizes. These sandals have been placed here as prayers for healthy legs. From here, we will climb 108 stone steps to reach the Main Hall of the temple. These steps are particularly stunning during spring, when the Sakura trees lining both sides form a beautiful tunnel of pink blossoms.

Once you reach the top, your guide will provide you with a tour of the temple grounds and explain the history and basics of Japanese Buddhism. You will learn how the religion first arrived to the country and the ways in which it is practiced today.

You will then head to the foot of Senkoji mountain, where you will board the ropeway which will take you to the submit. This ropeway creates the illusion of floating above the city and provides a wonderful view of Onomichi. Inside the cabin, guests will also be able to observe the mountain’s many temples and abundant greenery.

Once we exit the cabin, our first stop will be the Senkoji Peak Observatory. We will ascend a spiral structure which will once again allow guests to observe the beauty of Onomichi from a high vantage point. Here, you will be able to take the best pictures of the Onomichi Channel and city landscape.

Next, we will walk down the Bungakuno Komichi path, a walking trail in which one can read passages from various Japanese authors inscribed upon rocks along the way. This serene walk surrounded by nature is an opportunity to get into a relaxed headspace and immerse yourself into the culture of the city.

It’s important to note that Onomichi is known as a “cat town,” so keep an eye out for these furry friends as we explore Mt. Senkoji.

The last stop of the tour will be the iconic Senkoji Temple, one of Onomichi’s most famous landmarks. This stunning temple was founded in the 9th century, and is easily recognizable for its vermillion Main Hall located on the hillside. Enshrined within this hall is Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, who people pray to for multiple reasons such as good health, traffic safety, finding a partner, etc. The smell of incense, the beautiful view of the city, and the surrounding nature, all come together to create an unforgettable experience. Guests will have the opportunity to pray, purchase amulets, and briefly explore the temple grounds and it’s surrounding area on their own.

Finally, you will head back to Hiroshima Station, where the tour will end in front of the Shinkansen gates. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

HIROSHIMA STATION @ 9:15 A.M.

The meetup point is under the Tourist Information sign outside of the Shinkansen gates. 

If you are arriving via Shinkansen, the sign will be located directly to your left as you exit the gates.

If you are arriving via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Shinkansen gates. It is located on the same floor as the JR lines gates.

For those coming from outside the station via bus, your first task will be to find an Underground Passage and then following the signs directing you to Hiroshima Station. These underground passages are usually located very close to bus stops. Once you have made it to Hiroshima Station, follow the signs directing you to the Shinkansen gates.

For those coming from outside the station via Streetcar, Hiroshima Station will be right next to you. Follow the signs directing you to the Shinkansen gates.

Lastly, if you wish to arrive via taxi, please ask the driver to drop you off at the Shinkansen Entrance (also known as North Entrance). After arriving, please look for signs directing you to the Shinkansen gates.

When you arrive, be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as Hiroshima Station is currently under heavy construction and can be quite disorienting.   

NOTES

Included

• English speaking guide
• Entry fees at all tour locations
• Transportation to/from activities (ropeway included)
• Sake tasting experience

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation
• Transportation to meeting point

Other Information

• This tour involves several hours of walking outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or raincoat if necessary.
• In the summer, temperature highs are around 32 °C (90 °F) and above with extreme humidity. We recommend wearing something light and airy while minding sunburn and heatstroke. A parasol, sunblock, and drinking water are highly encouraged.
• Winter temperatures in Hiroshima average between 1°C-10°C. (34°F-50°F). Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for cold conditions.